It is estimated that 15.7% of adult women (aged 18 years and over) and 5.9% of adult men are obese. However, the prevalence of obesity in Nigeria is lower than the regional average of 20.7% for women and 9.2% for men.

Incase, you don’t know what obesity is, it is what we refer to as “A disorder involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems”

It is generally assumed that eating food rich in calories is the cause of obesity. While it is true, it is important to understand that more than one factor is involved in causing obesity. Some of the causes of obesity include the following:

• Eating more than you burn: Obesity is caused when excess fat is deposited in your body. Food high in calories or complex carbohydrates contains a lot of energy stored as fats. Failure to utilize these energy deposits can lead to an increased accumulation of fat. 
• Pregnancy: Females often suffer from obesity during or after pregnancy. This is often linked to increased demand for food due to the active development of the baby in your womb.
• Sleep irregularities: Insomnia or other sleep disturbances can trigger the release of a digestive hormone which increases the urge to eat high-calorie foods. 
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, hypothyroidism, eating disorders, etc., can also lead to increased fat deposition. Obesity due to these reasons may occur irrespective of dietary factors. 
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in the level of hormones during puberty, menses, pregnancy or other factors can also affect your dietary intake and fat deposition. 
• Genetics: The storage and processing of fat deposits can be influenced by genetic factors. This is the reason why some people develop obesity more quickly than others.
• Psychological factors: Depression, loneliness, impulsiveness, lack of self-control, etc., can influence your appetite and weight. Social status can also have a psychological effect. 
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity is a major contributing factor. People with a sedentary lifestyle burn lesser calories than those with an active routine. 

To this end, it is important to take care of oneself and find ways to treat obesity medically or naturally. See ways obesity can be treated naturally here and thank me later!